New Balgonie Overpass Set to Open to Traffic

Residents of Balgonie will soon have safer access to their community. Beginning early next week, it will be the first overpass to open to traffic on the Regina Bypass – less than two years after construction started.

“Completion of the Regina Bypass will provide continued economic prosperity, increased safety and economic benefits for decades to come,” Amarjeet Sohi, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities said. “I am proud of our government’s commitment to providing, safe reliable transportation and we have put forward a very ambitious $180 billion dollar plan, which will allow our municipalities to prosper and build the infrastructure that they need to grow their economies.”

The design of the Balgonie overpass includes two roundabouts, which are designed to accommodate large vehicles such as agriculture equipment. The roundabouts provide many benefits over standard intersections, including fewer stops, shorter delays, fewer spots where collisions are likely to occur and increased safety.

“The Regina Bypass will address safety concerns for the communities on Highway 1 East,” Minister of Highways and Infrastructure David Marit said. “The opening of the overpass will alleviate congestion and provide a safer journey for drivers.”

Opening the overpass to traffic will allow Regina Bypass Design Builders to complete the remaining construction around the overpass. In order to facilitate this work, the current intersection at Highways 1 and 46 will close, with traffic rerouted to the overpass.

“This overpass is important to the future of Balgonie because it will allow safer access to the community while increasing safety for people travelling on the highway,” Balgonie Mayor Frank Thauberger said.

“With more than 5,000 people living and working in the RM of Edenwold, we hope the safety and traffic flow improvements this project has brought to our municipality and the White Butte Region will enable the continued growth of our communities and leave a legacy of connectivity and safety for generations to come,” RM of Edenwold Reeve Mitch Huber said.

The first phase of the Regina Bypass construction between Balgonie and Highway 33 will be completed this fall, including overpasses at Balgonie, White City and Tower Road. The Pilot Butte overpass will be partially open to traffic in 2017 and fully operational in 2018. The remainder of the Regina Bypass will be completed in 2019.

The Regina Bypass is the largest transportation infrastructure project in the province’s history. When complete, the Regina Bypass will enhance safety and reduce traffic congestion in and around the City of Regina.